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"Money isn't everything," I murmur, more to myself than to them, my mind swirling with confusion and a tinge of fear. What would it mean to accept his offer? Could I really step into that world with him, trust issues and all?
"Sure it isn't," Samantha agrees, nudging meplayfully with her elbow. "But it doesn't hurt when it comes attached to a guy who looks at you like you're the only one on the ice."
I can't help the blush that creeps up my cheeks, or the flutter in my chest at the thought. Samantha's words gnaw at me. Maybe she's right; maybe it's worth considering, even if just for a moment.
I throw my hands in the air, frustration bubbling over. "It's not about the money," I insist, my voice tinged with exasperation. Jessica's warm hand lands gently on mine, grounding me.
"Then what is it about?" she asks, her dark eyes filled with concern.
I let out a sigh, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes. "I just... I don't know," I admit, my words trailing off. There's a tangle of emotions inside me, and trying to sort through them feels like untangling Christmas lights—futile and frustrating.
Samantha leans forward, her fiery spirit undimmed by the chill of the rink. "You do know, Avery. You're just scared to admit it," she says with conviction, her belief in me stronger than any self-doubt I harbor.
Before I can respond, the sharp blast of the coach's whistle pierces the air, signaling the end of practice. I glance down at the ice where the kids are offering each other high-fives, their faces flushed with exertion and joy. Among them, Victor stands tall, hispresence commanding even from this distance. Our eyes meet and he waves, a simple gesture that sends my stomach into somersaults.
"Mommy!" Olivia's voice carries up to me, full of excitement. "Did you see that goal?"
"Every second!" I call back, pride swelling in my chest.
Emily, ever the pragmatic nurse, offers me an escape. "Want me to take Liv home? You can come pick her up later."
“You sure? I don’t want to impose.”
Emily shakes her head. “The kids will love it. They can do their homework together.”
After a moment, I nod. "Okay, thanks. I'll pick her up later."
The cold air of the arena bites at my skin as I make my way down the bleachers, the residual warmth from the crowd's energy fading with each step. The last echoes of cheers and the clattering of hockey sticks against the ice give way to a hushed silence, a stark contrast to the cacophony just moments ago.
Victor is by the bench, his broad back to me as he bends over to unlace his skates. He looks up as I approach, those piercing blue eyes catching mine in a look that's both intense and expectant. He stands, towering over me, and when he smiles, it lights up his face in a way that makes him seem almost boyish.
"Hey," he says, pulling me into a brief but warm embrace. His lips meet mine in a soft, hesitant kiss, as if he's mindful of the conversation hanging between us.
"Hi," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Can I take you and Olivia home?" he asks, hope threading through his words.
"Olivia's staying over at Emily's for a bit." I watch his reaction closely, trying to gauge his thoughts.
"Great," Victor says with a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Then we can talk."
"Sure, talk," I echo, the word tasting like uncertainty on my tongue. My smile is a brittle thing, cracking around the edges.
He picks up on my discomfort, the furrow in his brow deepening. "You're nervous about what I asked before?"
I nod, my throat tight. "It's big, Victor. And... Olivia, she's part of this too. I have to talk to her first."
"Of course, you do." He reaches out, his fingers brushing mine in a gesture that's meant to reassure. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
Victor's thumb hovers over his phone, his eyes flicking to the screen then back to me. "Just need to call Marcus," he says, scratching at the stubble on his chin with a hint of impatience.
"Okay," I say, trying to keep the tremble out of my voice. His gaze is intense, like he's seeing right through me, and it's unnerving.
Suddenly, a voice echoes from across the arena. "Hey, Stone! Got a sec?"
Victor's head snaps up, his blue eyes narrowing slightly. He sets his phone down on his jacket. "Be right back," he mutters, giving my arm a quick squeeze before jogging off.
I stand there, fidgeting with the strap of my purse. A soft chime breaks through my spiraling thoughts. I glance down instinctively at Victor's phone. The screen lights up with a notification, and my stomach plummets.